‘Oman a great place for nature, adventure lovers’

Nagpur: At the 50th edition of Travelers Adda, which was on ‘The ‘Sultanate of Oman’, travel enthusiasts Rahul Kale and Akanksha Singhania shared their experiences about their trip to Oman, a Middle East country, in February this year. The session was held at Chitnavis Centre on Sunday. “People might think Muscat, the capital of Oman, is similar to Dubai but Oman doesn’t have high skyscrapers. The mountains dominate the skyline and the architecture is all white, which gives a sense of harmony to the landscape,” said Kale.The main attractions in Muscat are Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Royal Opera House, both of which are modern architecture. “You can also explore other historical and heritage sites in the city and its local markets,” said Kale.Oman is one of the oldest nations to have formed in the Arab countries, also known for its Frankincense Trail and maritime history. Oman is also considered home to the mythological character, Sinbad the Sailor.The speakers told the gathering that Oman is a great place for nature and adventure lovers. Wadi Ash Shab is one of the top attractions of Oman to vist. The narrow canyon is home to crystal clear blue water pools and caves where you can hike and swim. The place is 140km from Muscat and easily accessible. There are also other wadis and sinkholes that can be visited, they said.Oman is also known for its coasts and deserts. “One should definitely try spending a night at a camp in the desert. It’s a very unique experience,” said Akanksha.Tourists can also trek the mountains. The Jebel Shams Balcony Walk is a 4km hike and takes around 3-4 hours to complete. Another tourist place which is a must visit in Salalah. It's known for its banana plantations, Arabian Sea beaches and waters teeming with sea life surrounded with lush green terrain, the speakers said.About the food and cuisine, they said there are limited options for vegetarians. However, there is a large Indian influence on Omani food, especially due to the spices. Sea-food in the coastal city of Sur is a great delicacy, they said.(Reporting by Kinshu Sharma)